Brian Gibbons With the Speed to Succeed by @ChicksDigHockey

Brian Gibbons is listed in his profile as being a 5’ 8” right
winger. (I think that’s with his skates on) He’s a compact fireplug who has some
impressive wheels.

He signed a 2 yr contract with the Penguins in April of 2011
and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Boston College in May of 2011. He played four seasons of NCAA Division 1 hockey with Boston College before joining the WBS Penguins.

Gibbons was among the call-ups during the height of injury season
in November and December. Unlike some he has remained with the team. He has
been compared to Penguin legend Marty Straka not only for similarity in build
but speed.
His presence on the ice is far greater than his size would suggest. Yet, he plays
an almost emotionless game. He’s scrappy along the boards and aggressive with
the forecheck.

Many scratched their heads when Gibbons took his place on
the top line with Crosby and Kunitz in January. How long he’ll hold that
position is anyone’s guess. Bylsma seems to have a soft spot in his heart for
short forwards who work hard and skate fast. Since Chris Connor is still on IR that
affection seems to have fallen to Gibbons. One could imagine that once Bennett
is healthy he’ll join 87 and 14 but we’ve all learned not to second guess Coach
Bylsma’s line combos.

Have I mentioned Brian Gibbons is fast? Must be that low center of
gravity that allows him to careen down the ice.

Gibbons was named to AHL All-Star Team for 2013-14 but his focus
is on staying in the NHL. He recently told Josh Yohe of the Trib, “I've seen
guys that I played with at Wilkes-Barre and in college that have had success at
the NHL level. I think seeing that made me believe I could be successful at
this level.”

For all of regulation time against the Senators (2/3/14), Gibbons had
scored the only goal for the Pens. It was made possible by Gibbons coming up the ice with speed and getting in position. It's was his 3rd goal of the year. I'd say he's enjoying NHL success.